Intelligent lighting control system automated adjustment apparatuses, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control system. A first light control module of a plurality of light control modules determines a time of day. Each light control module in the plurality of light control modules configured to cause a transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the respective lighting control module. Occupancy at the first light control module is detected after a specific time of day. The flow of electricity from one or more light control modules in the plurality of light control modules is changed to change the flow of electricity to the respective lighting circuits connected to the one or more light control modules to turn off the respective light fixture based on the occupancy detection the time of day.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/383,735, filed on Sep. 6, 2016, entitled “INTELLIGENTLIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM AUTOMATED ADJUSTMENT APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, ANDMETHODS,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to the field of lightingcontrol systems.

BACKGROUND

Customizing and automating home lighting control devices is oftenepitomized by the installation of unsightly lighting switches that areinundated with light switches confusingly mapped to respective fixtures.Automated home lighting control systems can also include large, complex,expensive central hubs that require expert or skilled technicians forinstallation and/or operation. Smart light bulbs and/or Wi-Fi enabledlightbulbs introduced into any of these contexts or even in simpler onescan disadvantageously be limited by the light switch that it isassociated with and/or the lighting fixture itself. For example, if alight switch associated with a smart light bulb is switched off thesmart light bulb becomes inoperable.

SUMMARY

The inventors have appreciated that various embodiments disclosed hereinprovide apparatuses, systems, and methods for detecting activities andconditions to intelligently control lighting control systems.

Various embodiments provide methods of controlling a lighting controlsystem. The methods include transmitting at least one communicationsignal from a first light control module to a second light controlmodule in a plurality of light control modules. Each light controlmodule in the plurality of light control modules is configured to causea transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuitof a light fixture electrically connected to the respective lightingcontrol module. The methods include determining a time of day. Themethod includes detecting occupancy at each light control module in theplurality of light control modules. The methods include after aspecified time of day and in response to a negative occupancy detectionat each light control module in the plurality of light control modules,changing a flow of electricity to at least some of the lighting circuitsto turn off the respective light fixture and at least one of leaving onand turning on at least one light fixture connected to at least onelight control module in the plurality of light control modules.

In some implementations, the method includes determining a quantity ofthe light control modules in the plurality of light control modules.

In some implementations, the method includes determining a time of thelast occupancy detection at each light control module in the pluralityof light control modules.

In some implementations, the method includes determining the last lightcontrol module to detect occupancy in the plurality of light controlmodules.

In some implementations, the at least one of leaving on and turning onthe at least one light fixture comprises at least one of leaving on andturning on a light fixture connected to the last light control moduledetecting occupancy.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing via oneor more of an infrared sensor, a time of flight sensor, a light sensor,a sound sensor, and an electromagnetic sensor, and an optical sensor.

In some implementations, the infrared sensor is a passive infraredsensor.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing aBluetooth signal.

In some implementations, the optical sensor comprises a camera.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing via apassive infrared sensor and the light control module is configured tochange the flow of electricity to at least some of the lighting circuitsto turn off the respective light fixture in response to: sensing noactivity by the passive infrared sensor within a first specified periodof time and failing to detect presence of a registered mobile device inresponse to checking for the registered mobile device.

In some implementations, checking for the registered mobile devicecomprises transmitting a Bluetooth low energy signal.

In some implementations, checking for the registered mobile devicecomprises determining whether the registered mobile device is within ageo-fence threshold.

In some implementations, determining whether the registered mobiledevice is within a geo-fence threshold comprises determining a positionof the registered mobile device via a global positioning system.

In some implementations, determining whether the registered mobiledevice is within a geo-fence threshold comprises determining whether theregistered mobile device is connected to a home wireless network.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing via apassive infrared sensor and wherein the light control module isconfigured to change the flow of electricity to at least some of thelighting circuits to turn off the respective light fixture in responseto sensing no activity by the passive infrared sensor within a specifiedperiod of time.

Various embodiments provide methods of controlling a lighting controlsystem. The methods include determining a time of day at a first lightcontrol module of a plurality of light control modules, each lightcontrol module in the plurality of light control modules configured tocause a transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lightingcircuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the respectivelighting control module. The methods include detecting occupancy at thefirst light control module after a specific time of day. The methodsinclude changing a flow of electricity from one or more light controlmodules in the plurality of light control modules to change the flow ofelectricity to the respective lighting circuits connected to the one ormore light control modules to turn off the respective light fixturebased on a positive occupancy detection at the first light controlmodule after the specific time of day.

In some implementations, occupancy comprises sensing via one or more ofan infrared sensor, a time of flight sensor, a light sensor, a soundsensor, and an electromagnetic sensor, and an optical sensor.

In some implementations, the time of flight sensor is configured todetect a change in a time of flight of a transmitted signal.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy at each light controlmodule in the plurality of light control modules and precluding turningoff a respective light fixture where occupancy is detected by the lightcontrol module.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy at the first light controlmodule comprises sensing via one or more of an infrared sensor, a timeof flight sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, and an electromagneticsensor, and an optical sensor.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy at the first light controlmodule comprises checking for a registered mobile device via one or moreof the light control modules of the plurality of light control modules.

In some implementations, checking for the registered mobile devicecomprises determining whether the registered mobile device is within ageo-fence threshold.

In some implementations, determining whether the registered mobiledevice is within a geo-fence threshold comprises determining a positionof the registered mobile device via a global positioning system.

In some implementations, determining whether the registered mobiledevice is within a geo-fence threshold comprises determining whether theregistered mobile device is connected to a home wireless network.

In some implementations, determining whether the registered mobiledevice is within a geo-fence threshold comprises transmitting aBluetooth low energy signal from via one or more of the light controlmodules of the plurality of light control modules.

In some implementations, changing the flow of electricity comprisesgradually reducing the flow over a specified period of time to dim therespective light fixture before it is turned off.

In some implementations, the method includes precluding the light fromturning off in response to detecting a change in occupancy during thedimming.

In some implementations, occupancy is detected at the first lightcontrol module via geo-fencing, wherein the geo-fencing is configured todetect occupancy by detecting at least one of: a determination ofwhether a mobile electronic device is within a preset proximity to ahome or building within which the lighting control system is locatedbased on a GPS signal from the mobile electronic device, a connectionstate of a WiFi connection of a mobile electronic device configured toestablish a steady connection to a network/access-point of a home orbuilding within which the lighting control system is located, and aconnection state of a class of Bluetooth of a mobile electronic deviceconfigured to connect the mobile electronic device to one or more lightcontrol modules in the plurality of light control modules.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing via aninfrared sensor.

In some implementations, the infrared sensor is a passive infraredsensor.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing a classof a Bluetooth signal.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing via asonar sensor.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing via acamera.

In some implementations, detecting occupancy comprises sensing motionfrom a registered mobile device.

In some implementations, sensing motion of the registered mobile devicecomprises obtaining a reading from an accelerometer of the registeredmobile device.

Various embodiments a computer program product for operating a lightingcontrol system apparatus according to one or more of the precedingembodiments and implementations. The computer program product caninclude a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to oneor more processors and having instructions stored thereon which, whenexecuted by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processorsto perform operations for operating a lighting control system apparatusaccording to anyone of the preceding implementations described and/oraccording to any one of the apparatuses disclosed herein.

Various embodiments provide a lighting control system apparatus forautomated lighting adjustment, the apparatus comprising a lightingcontrol system configured to operate according to according to one ormore of the preceding embodiments and implementations.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are notintended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter describedherein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances,various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may beshown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate anunderstanding of different features. In the drawings, like referencecharacters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similarand/or structurally similar elements).

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting controldevice.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device of FIG.1A

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch lighting control devices.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning throughvarious lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlledby the lighting control device.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controllinga lighting control device.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating alighting control device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuringoperations of a lighting control device.

FIG. 7A is a flow diagram of a method of operating a lighting controlsystem.

FIG. 7B is a flow diagram of another method of operating a lightingcontrol system.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a lighting control system.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate lighting control systems that includemultiple lighting control devices.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a lighting control device.

The features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosedherein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forthbelow when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various conceptsrelated to, and exemplary embodiments of, inventive systems, methods andcomponents of lighting control devices.

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting controldevice 100. The lighting control device 100 includes a switch module 102including a light switch actuator 106 and a tactile display 104 housedin the light switch actuator 106. The lighting control device 100 alsoincludes a wall plate cover 108 including a switch module opening 110extending therethrough. The lighting control device 100 also includes abase module 112 configured for coupling to the switch module 102 viamulti-pin socket 114. The base module 112 is sized and configured forreceipt within a one-gang wall electrical box and has a volumecorresponding substantially thereto. The base module 112 is configuredto be coupled to a wall electrical box via connection tabs 116 andfastener apertures 118 in the connection tabs 116.

The light switch actuator 106 includes an outer actuation surface 122,which as discussed further herein may be composed of glass. Theactuation surface 122 is movable, for example, by pushing on the curvedfoot 120 to cause the light switch actuator 106 to pivot, for example.The pivoting of the light switch actuator 106 and the actuation surface122 causes a contact component (shown in FIG. 2) of the switch actuator106 to move from a first position to a second position. Movement of thecontact component causes a connection of an electrical flow path, forexample by allowing two electrical contacts to connect or by connectingthe contact component with an electrical contact. The connecting of theelectrical flow path, permits electrical energy supplied by a powersource connected to the base module 112 to energize or activate thetactile display 104, as discussed in further detail herein. The tactiledisplay 104 is structured in the switch module to move contemporaneouslywith at least a portion of the actuation surface 122 and with theactuator 106. When activated or energized, the tactile display 104allows a user to define or select predefined lighting settings where thelighting settings change the voltage or power supplied to one or morelight fixtures. The change in power supplied to the light fixtures mayinclude a plurality of different voltages supplied to each fixture andmay be based on various parameters including, but not limited to,location, light intensity, light color, type of bulb, type of light,ambient light levels, time of day, kind of activity, room temperature,noise level, energy costs, user proximity, user identity, or variousother parameters which may be specified or detected. Furthermore, thelighting control device 100 may be connected to all of the lights in aroom or even in a house and can be configured to operate cooperativelywith one or more other lighting control devices 100 located in a unit orroom and connected to the same or distinct lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device 100 ofFIG. 1A. As demonstrated in FIG. 1B, the tactile display 104 ispositioned between the outer actuation surface 122 and the light switchactuator 106. The actuation surface 122 may be composed of animpact-resistant glass material permitting light from the tactiledisplay 104 and/or a clear sight of path for sensors 127 or otherlights, such as a light from light pipe 126 indicating activation topass through the actuation surface 122. The tactile display 104 iscomposed of a polymer-based capacitive touch layer 124 and a lightemitting diode panel 125, which are controlled via one or more modulesor processors positioned on the printed circuit board 129. The tactiledisplay 104 is housed within a recess 131 of the light switch actuator106 beneath the actuation surface 122. The light switch actuator 106 maybe formed as a thermoplastic housing including a housing cover 133 and ahousing base 135. The light switch actuator housing cover 133 ispivotally connected to the housing base 135 via pins 136 and the housingcover 133 is biased with respect the housing base 135 via torsion spring137. In particular embodiments, the light switch actuator housing cover133 may be configured to slide or otherwise translate or rotate. Theouter actuation surface 122 is biased with the switch actuator housingcover 133 and moves contemporaneously therewith in concert with thetactile display 104 housed in the cover component 133 of the lightswitch actuator 106. The light switch actuator 106 includes a switch pin128 movable between positions to close an open circuit on the primaryprinted circuit board substrate 150, which board also houses a switchcontroller or processor. In certain embodiments the light switchactuator 106 may include a circuit board stack, including the primaryprinted circuit board substrate 150 and a secondary printed circuitboard 138 The light switch actuator 106 may include a latch 136 forcoupling to the base module 112 (e.g. as the light switch actuator 106is passed through the opening 110 in the wall plate cover 108), whichlatch causes the light switch actuator 106 to click into place. Thehousing base 135 includes a multi-pin connector or plug 134 configuredto engage the multi-pin socket 114 of the base module 112.

The lighting control device 100 includes a mounting chassis 142configured to be installed to an electrical wall box. The mountingchassis 142 creates an even surface for installation of the othermodules (e.g., the base module 112 and the switch module 102). Once thebase module is connected to the electrical wall box via the mountingchassis 142, the wall plate cover 108 can be coupled to the mountingchassis 142 and the light switch actuator 106 can be inserted throughthe switch module opening 110. In particular embodiments, the wall platecover can be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 and/or the tabs 116 ofthe base module via magnets. The magnets may be recessed within openingsof a portion of the wall plate cover 108. As noted, the base module 112is configured to be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 via connectiontabs 116. The base module 112 is further configured to be electricallycoupled to a power source (e.g., an electrical wire coming from anelectrical breaker box to the electrical wall box) and to one or morelight fixtures wired to the electrical box. Accordingly, the base module112 provides an interface between a power source, the light switchactuator 106, and one or more light fixtures. The base module includes aprocessor 140 and a circuit board 141 for managing the power supplied bythe power source and routed to the one or more light fixtures inaccordance with a light setting selection identified via the lightswitch actuator 106 or the tactile display 104. One or more of theprocessor on the printed circuit board 138 a or 138 b 130 and the basemodule processor 140 may include wireless links for communication withone or more remote electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet, alaptop, another mobile computing devices, one or more other lightingcontrol devices 100 or other electronic devices operating in a location.In certain implementations the wireless links permit communication withone or more devices including, but not limited to smart light bulbs,thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, remote controls,televisions, security systems, security cameras, smoke detectors, videogame consoles, robotic systems, or other communication enabled sensingand/or actuation devices or appliances. The wireless links may includeBLUETOOTH classes, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-low-energy, also known as BLE,802.15.4, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), aninfrared channel or satellite band. The wireless links may also includeany cellular network standards used to communicate among mobile devices,including, but not limited to, standards that qualify as 1G, 2G, 3G, or4G. The network standards may qualify as one or more generation ofmobile telecommunication standards by fulfilling a specification orstandards such as the specifications maintained by InternationalTelecommunication Union. The 3G standards, for example, may correspondto the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)specification, and the 4G standards may correspond to the InternationalMobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-Advanced) specification.Examples of cellular network standards include AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS,LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, and WiMAX-Advanced. Cellular networkstandards may use various channel access methods e.g. FDMA, TDMA, CDMA,or SDMA. In some embodiments, different types of data may be transmittedvia different links and standards. In other embodiments, the same typesof data may be transmitted via different links and standards.

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A mounted on awall 200. As demonstrated in FIG. 2A, the base module 112 is not visibleupon installation of the lighting control device 100 in view of the wallplate cover 108. Because the wall plate cover 108 attaches to the basemodule 112, the wall plate cover 108 appears to be floating on the wall200. The lighting control device 100 may be activated by a user 103interacting with the outer actuation surface 122 and the tactile display104.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch configurations of multiplelighting control device. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate a two switch andthree switch embodiment respectively where the lighting control devices202 and 203 each include a light switch actuator 106 as well asauxiliary switches 204 and 208, as well as 2 and 3 base modules 112,respectively.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning throughvarious lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlledby the lighting control device.

In FIG. 3A, the lighting control device 300 is connected to a basemodule positioned behind the wall plate 308. The lighting control device300 includes a dynamic light switch actuator 306, operable in a mannersimilar to the light switch actuator discussed in connection with FIGS.1A-2C, and an auxiliary light switch actuator. As demonstrated in FIG.3A by the unilluminated outer actuation surface 322 of the light switchactuator 306 is inactive and not energized. In response to a user 103moving the actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306, thelight switch actuator 306 begins to become energized, as shown in FIG.3B. The energization or activation of the light switch actuator 306 issignaled by the power light indicator 305 and by full lighting settingicon 351. As shown in FIG. 3C where the icon 351 is fully lit (ratherthan partially lit as in FIG. 3B), the light switch actuator 306 isfully energized. In this particular configuration, the primary lights309 and 310 are illuminated at full power. FIG. 3D shows the transitionbetween lighting settings. As demonstrated in FIG. 3D, this transitionis facilitated via user 103 completing swiping gesture 312 across thetactile display 304 and along the actuation surface 322. As the usercompletes the gesture 312, the icon 351 is swiped from the tactiledisplay 304 as the tactile display toggles to a new light setting shownin FIG. 3E. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3E is represented oridentified by the dinner icon 352. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3has the light fixture 309 powered down and has caused lamp 316 andsconces 318 to become illuminated to change the lighting scene in theroom. The change in the light setting causes a change in distribution ofpower to certain lighting fixture based on the selected lightingsetting. The light switch actuator 306 may be pre-programmed with aplurality of lighting settings or may be configured with particularlighting settings as specified by the user 103. A further swipinggesture 315 shown in FIG. 3F or a different gesture are used totransition from the lighting setting of FIG. 3F represented by icon 352to a further lighting setting.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controllinga lighting control device. FIG. 4 illustrates control operations of acontrol system, such as processor 130 configured to control the lightingcontrol device 100 or 300, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention. At 401, the tactile display housed in the lightswitch actuator is activated by moving the light switch actuator, forexample by moving the actuation surface of the light switch actuator. At402, the light fixtures electrically coupled to the light switchactuator via a base module are powered as the movement of the lightswitch actuator causes a contact component to move into a new positionand thereby permit or cause an electrical flow path between a powersource and the light fixture(s) to be closed. The tactile display housedin the light switch actuator is moved contemporaneously with theactuation surface. At 403, a lighting setting selection request isreceived via the tactile display, for example by a particular motion ormotions on the tactile display. The lighting setting selection requestidentifies a lighting setting from among a plurality of lightingsettings. A user may swipe multiple times to toggle through theplurality of lighting settings or may conduct a specific motion thatcorresponds to a particular lighting setting including, but not limitedto, a half swipe and tap to achieve a light intensity of all theconnected light fixtures at half of their peak output. The lightingsettings identify distinct power distribution schemes for one or morelight fixtures connected to the light switch module. At 404, a powerdistribution scheme is identified. At 405, the identified powerdistribution scheme is transmitted, for example by the base moduleresponding to control signals from the light switch actuator, to adjustone, some, or all of the lights based on the power distribution schemecorresponding to the lighting setting selected. The power distributionschemes or profiles may be stored in a memory device of the lightingcontrol device. In certain embodiments, the power distribution schemesmay be adjusted to account for other parameters such as ambient lightingfrom natural light or an unconnected source. In certain embodiments thepower distribution schemes may be adjusted based on one or more othersensor parameters. In particular embodiments, the lighting setting maybe adjusted by automation based on time of day, sensed parameters suchas light, temperature, noise, or activation of other devices including,but not limited to, any electronic device described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of system for remotely operating a lightingcontrol device. In particular embodiments, the lighting control device100 or 300 may be operable from a remote device if the actuator switchis activated or energized. In such instances, the remote device mayinclude one or more computer program applications, such as system 500,operating on the device to communicate with and control the lightingcontrol device. Accordingly, at 501, the control system 500 initiates aconnection module to generate a communication interface between a mobileelectronic device and a light switch module. The connection module maycause the remote device to send one or more wireless transmission to thelighting control device via a communication protocol. At 502, thecontrol system 500 causes the remote device to generate a display oficons on a display device of the mobile electronic device to facilitateselection of a lighting setting. At 503, the control system 500 receivesa lighting setting selection based on the user selecting a particularicon. At 504, a transmission module causes the lighting setting selectedto be transmitted to the lighting control device so that the lightswitch module and/or the base module can cause the power distributionscheme corresponding to the lighting setting to be transmitted to thelighting fixtures. The tactile display of the lighting control devicemay be updated in concert with receipt of the lighting setting todisplay the icon selected on the mobile electronic device andcorresponding to the lighting setting selected on the tactile device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuringoperations of a lighting control device. The remote device may includedevices including, but not limited to a mobile phone, a mobile computingdevice or a computing device remote from the light control device. At601, the mobile electronic device generates a communication interfacewith the light switch module. At 602 a light fixture identificationmodule initiates a sensor based protocol to identify a parameterassociated with one or more light fixtures connected to the light switchcontrol module. At 603, a display selection module causes a display ofan icon to appear on a display device of the mobile electronic device.At 604, a lighting setting configuration module allows a user to createa power distribution scheme or profile for the light fixtures identifiedbased on the identified parameters and a user specified input related tolight intensity. At 604, a storage module is used to the store the powerdistribution scheme and associate a particular lighting setting iconwith the power distribution scheme. At 605, a transmission moduletransmits the power distribution scheme and the associated icon to thelight switch control module.

FIG. 7A is a flow diagram of a method of operating a lighting controlsystem. At 701 a, a first light control module, such as system 100,transmits a communication signal from the first light control module toone or more other light control modules (e.g. other light controlmodules in a home or building). At 702 a the time of day (or night) isdetermined by the first light control module. This can be determined viaone more clock or timer circuits of the light control module, or may bedetermined via a connection of the light control module to anotherdevice or system, wirelessly for example via the internet. At 703 a acontrol module of the light control module analyzes the time todetermine whether or not it is after a pre-specified time of day. Thepre-specified time may be preset, may be set by the user and may beself-adjusting based on the time zone, daylight savings time, orgeographic location. If the time is after a pre-specified time of day,the first light control module causes each of the light control modulesin a set of modules to detect occupancy at 704 a. The first lightcontrol module can transmit an occupancy detection command to betransmitted to each of the other light control modules. The occupancydetection can be determined by one or more sensors contained in orconnected to the respective light control modules. For example,occupancy can be detected via one or more of an infrared sensor, a timeof flight sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, and an electromagneticsensor, and an optical sensor, and/or via detection of a device. Thelight control modules may have different types of occupancy detectionsystems. At 705 a, if an occupant is not detected, the respective lightcontrol module can change the flow of electricity to the respectivelight fixture connected to a lighting circuit of the light controlmodule to turn off the light fixture at 706 a. The change can be agradual change so that the light fixture experiences a dimming phasebefore turning completely off. At 707 a, the first light control modulecauses at least one of the light control modules to remain on or to beturned on. The turning on can be substantially contemporaneous to theother light fixtures being turned off. Accordingly, the lighting controlsystem facilitates cooperative control between distinct lighting controlmodules in order to produce a particular lighting scene, for example alighting scene corresponding to a night time away mode. Accordingly, thesystem can shut down most of the lights with limited exception (forexample turning off interior lights but leaving a porch or entrywaylight on) after a certain time of day if the system determines that theuser is not home. As described in connection with FIG. 7B the system canhave a different night time mode that can be implemented if itsnighttime, but the user is home.

FIG. 7B is a flow diagram of another method of operating a lightingcontrol system. At 701 b a control module of a first light controlmodule analyzes the time to determine whether or not it is after apre-specified time of day. At 702 b if it is after the pre-specifiedtime of day, the light control module detects occupancy at 703 b. Thecontrol module analyzes the occupancy determination at 704 b. In thiscase, if an occupant is detected, at the first light control module, thefirst light control module can transmit a signal to the other lightcontrol modules to cause the respective light control module to changethe flow of electricity to the respective light fixture connected to alighting circuit of the respective light control module to turn off thelight fixture at 705 b. Each respective light fixture receiving thecommand can check occupancy in the room before turning off the lightfixture connected thereto.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a lighting control system 800 configured toexecute lighting control operations described herein. The lightingcontrol system 800 illustrates lighting control system components thatcan be implemented with a lighting control system including an air gapsystem as described herein. The lighting control system 800 is depictedseparated into a base lighting control module 812 (which may beconfigured in a manner similar to base module 112) and a switch moduleor switch controller 802 (which may be configured in a manner similar toswitch module 102). As described herein, the switch module 802 caninclude a tactile interface, operable via the graphical user interfacemodule 852, and a switch actuator, such as the tactile display 104 andthe light switch actuator 106 described herein. The switch module 802houses a processor 850, which may be configured to send commands tomicrocontroller 840 and receive inputs from the micro-controller 840 tocontrol the operation of a transformer 818, a power isolator and an ACto DC converter 814 (which may include a flyback converter), and adimmer, such as a TRIAC dimmer 813, a voltage and current sensor 816. Insome embodiments, the base lighting control module 812 may include aMOSFET dimmer. The power isolator 814 separates the analog AC currentfrom the low power or DC digital components in the base lighting controlmodule 812 and the switch module 802. The power isolate 814 may providepower inputs to the switch control module 802 via a power module 853.Power module 853 includes power circuitry configured to regulate theflow of power from the base module 812 to the switch controller module802 including directing power to one or more of the modules in theswitch controller module 802. The switch module 802 also houses acommunication module, which can include one or more antennae or otherwireless communication modules. The switch module 802 also houses asensor module, which can include one or more sensors, such as a lightsensor, a camera, a microphone, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and anair quality sensor. The processor 850, is communicably coupled with oneor more modules in the switch module 802 to control the operation of andreceive inputs from those modules, for example to control modulation ofthe flow of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture824 connected to the base lighting control module 812.

The base lighting control module 812 includes a ground terminal 830 forgrounding various electrical components container in the module 812. Thebase light control module 812 includes a neutral terminal 828 forconnecting to a neutral wire, a line terminal 826, and a load terminal822. As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage and current sensor(s) are coupledto the load line to detect changes in the voltage or current along theline carrying power to one or more light fixtures 824 connected to thelighting circuit (750). The base lighting control module 812 alsoincludes a controller 840 communicably coupled to the processor 850. Thebase lighting control module 812 also includes LED indicator lights 842and 841 for indicating information regarding the status of the baselighting control module 812. For example, in some embodiments LEDindicator light 841 can indicates if a neutral wire is connected whileLED indicator light 842 can indicate if a 3 way connection is connected.

FIG. 9 describes an implementation of lighting control system 900 thatincludes multiple lighting control subsystems that are distributed overa building (e.g., house, office etc.), for example, in different roomsof the building. In the implementation of the lighting control system900 illustrated in FIG. 9A, rooms 902 a-d have distinct lighting controlsystems. For example, the lighting control system of room 902 a includeslighting control device 904 a, lighting circuit 910 a, light sensors 906a and motion sensors 908 a. The lighting control system 900 can includea central lighting control device 904 that serves as a central controlfor the lighting control system 900. In certain embodiments, the centrallighting control device 904 can include a lighting control system suchas system 100 or 800.

The lighting control system of room 902 a, which comprises lightingcontrol device 904 a, light sensor 906 a, motion sensor 908 a andlighting circuit 910 a, is discussed. However, the concepts andapplications discussed are not limited to the lighting control system inthe room 902 a and can be generally applied to lighting control systemsin other rooms (e.g., 902 b-d) or lighting control subsystems that maydistributed over more than one room.

The light sensor 906 a is configured to detect ambient light (which caninclude natural light and/or light from a light fixture connected to thelighting circuit 910 a), for example by converting the electromagneticenergy (e.g., photon energy) into an electrical signal (e.g., a currentor a voltage signal). The electrical signal can be communicated to thelighting control device 904 a. The light sensor 906 a can include one ormore photo-resistors, photodiodes, charge coupled devices etc. The lightsensor 906 a can include a light filter that preferentially allowscertain frequencies of light to be transmitted and therefore detected bythe light sensor 906 a. For example, the light filter can be configuredto transmit frequencies that correspond to the light emanating from thelighting circuit 910 a. This can allow the light sensor (e.g. 906 a) topreferentially detect light from the lighting circuit 910 a whilefiltering out light generated by other sources. For example, if thelight sensor is located in a room that receives ambient natural light(e.g., daylight), the light sensor can substantially filter out theambient natural light and primarily detect light from the lightingcircuit 910 a. The light sensor 906 a can also be configured toefficiently and accurately detect a range of light intensities, forexample, the range of intensities that can be produced by the lightingcircuit 910 a. This can allow the light sensor 906 a to efficiently andaccurately detect light for various intensity settings of the lightingcircuit 910 a.

The motion sensor 908 a can be configured to detect motion in the room902 a. For example, the motion sensor can detect movement of an occupantin the room 902 a. The motion sensor 908 a can include one or more ofpassive sensors (e.g., passive infrared (PIR) sensor), active sensors(e.g., microwave (MW) sensor, ultrasonic sensors etc.) and hybridsensors that include both passive and active sensor (e.g., DualTechnology Motion sensors,). The passive sensors do not emit any energyand detect changes in energy of the surrounding. For example, a PIRsensor can detect infrared energy emitted by the human body (due to thetemperature associated with the human body). Active sensors, on theother hand, emit electromagnetic or sonic pulses and detect thereflection thereof. For example, MW sensor emits a microwave pulse anddetects its reflection. Hybrid sensors can include both active andpassive sensors and therefore motion can be sensed both actively andpassively (hybrid sensing). Hybrid sensing can have several advantages,for example, the probability of false positive detection of motion canbe smaller in hybrid sensors compared to active/passive sensors.

The lighting control device 904 a is configured to communicate with thelight sensor 906 a and motion sensor 908 a. The motion sensor 908 a cansend a notification signal to the lighting control device 904 aconveying that motion has been detected in an area proximal to thelighting circuit 910 a, for example, in the room 902 a. The light sensor906 a can send a notification signal to the lighting control device 904a conveying that light emanating from the lighting circuit 910 a hasbeen detected. Additionally, the notification signal can includeinformation about the properties of the detected light, e.g., intensity,bandwidth etc. The lighting control device 904 a can store datarepresentative of the notification signals received from the motion andlight sensors in a device database. The lighting control device 904 acan include a clock and/or a timer that allows the lighting controldevice 904 a to track the time and/or duration of the received signalsfrom the light sensor 906 a and motion sensor 908 a. The tracking timeand/or duration information can be also be stored in the devicedatabase.

The lighting control device 904 a can be configured to receive andtransmit data through the internet. The lighting control device 904 acan, for example, infer information about ambient natural light fromdata about the weather conditions, daylight hours etc. from onlinedatabases (e.g., databases of weather.gov, gaisma.com, noaa.govwunderground.com etc.). For example, the received data can includeinformation about the sunrise and sunset times in the geographical areaassociated with the lighting control system 900 and the time of theyear. Based on this, the lighting control circuit 904 a can infer thetime period during which no ambient natural light is available. Inanother example, the received data can contain information about theweather conditions. The lighting control circuit 904 a can infer, forexample, that overcast conditions can lead to reduction in naturalambient light. The lighting control device 904 a can save the dataand/or inferred information in the device database. This can allow thelighting control device 904 a to infer patterns between the usage of thelighting circuit 910 a and ambient natural light conditions.

The lighting control device 904 a can be configured to determine one ormore properties of the lighting circuit 910 a. For example, device 904 acan determine the type (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen,high intensity discharge, full spectrum, UV, black light, antique,vintage) and the wattage of the light bulbs associated with the lightingcircuit 910 a. The light control device 904 a can also search onlinedatabases for information about the detected light bulbs. For example,the lighting control device 904 a can download specifications (e.g.,information about voltage, wattage, luminescence, dimmability, averagelife etc.) from online databases of the manufacturers of the detectedlight bulb. The lighting control device 904 a can also downloadinformation related to the light and motion sensors, for example,drivers associated with the light and motion sensors. The determinedproperties and the downloaded information about the lighting circuit 910a can be stored in the device database.

The lighting control device 904 a can be configured to receive dataand/or instructions from communication device 920 (e.g., cellphone,laptop, iPad, input device such as keypad, touch screen etc.).Additionally or alternately, communication device 920 can be inputdevice (e.g., keypad, touchscreen etc.). For example, the computationdevice 920 may provide instructions for the operation of the lightingcontrol device 904 a. Based on the instruction, the lighting controldevice 904 a can switch on/off one or more light bulbs in the lightingcircuit 904 a. The computation device 920 can also instruct the lightingcontrol device 904 a to change the operation parameters of the lightingcircuit 910 a. For example, the lighting control device 904 a can beinstructed to increase/decrease the brightness of the lighting circuit904 a (e.g., by increasing/decreasing the power supplied to the lightingcircuit). The communication device 920 can instruct the lighting controldevice 904 a to perform one or more of the aforementioned functions at acertain time or after a certain period of time. For example, thecommunication device 920 can instruct the lighting control device 904 ato set up a timer at the end of which a desired function is performed.Through the communication device 920, information related to thelighting control system 900 can be conveyed to the lighting controldevice 904 a. For example, a user can input the room-types (e.g.,bedroom, kitchen, living room etc.) of the rooms 902 a-d. The usershutdown one or more the lighting control subsystems in room 902 a-d fora desired period of time, for example, when the user will be away for avacation. The communication device 920 can communicate with the lightingcontrol device 904 a using short-range wireless technology (Bluetooth,Wi-Fi etc.), through a cellular network and/or a physical connection(e.g., Ethernet cable). The data and/or instruction received by thelighting control circuit 904 a from the communication device 920 can bestored in the device database. The time at which the data and/orinstruction were received can also be stored in the device database.

The lighting control device 904 a can be configured to communicateinformation to the communication device 920 and/or an output screen. Forexample, the lighting control device 904 a may communicate theoperational parameters associated with the lighting circuit 910 a (e.g.,brightness of the lighting circuit 910 a, tentative time at which thelighting circuit 910 a will be turned on/off, duration of operation ofthe lighting circuit 910 a etc.). The lighting control device 904 a cancommunicate notification signal from the light sensor 906 a and motionsensor 908 a to the communication device 920. For example, communicationdevice 920 can be notified that motion or light has been detected inroom 902 a.

The central lighting control device 904 can communicate with thelighting control subsystems distributed over the building (e.g., rooms902 a-d), and provide a central control for the lighting control system900. The central lighting control device 904 can control the operationof light sensors 906 a-d, motion sensors 908 a-d, lighting circuits 910a-d and lighting control devices 904 a-d. For example, the centrallighting control device 904 can instruct the lighting control device 904a to change the operating parameters of the lighting circuit 910 a. Thecentral lighting control device 904 can also receive notificationsignals from light sensors 906 a-d and motion sensors 908 a-d, andcommunication device 920.

The central lighting control device 904 can include a central devicedatabase. Data stored in device databases associated with lightingcontrol devices 904 a-d can be transferred, for example, periodically,to the central device database. In some implementation, the centrallighting control device can request specific information from the devicedatabases of lighting control devices. For example, the central controldevice 904 can request the lighting control device 904 a for informationrelated to one or more of light sensors 906 a, motion sensors 908 a,instructions from communication device 920, etc. FIG. 9B illustratesanother implementation of the lighting control system 900. In thisimplementation the central light control device 904 also operates as the“lighting control device” for the lighting control subsystem associatedwith room 902 a (which includes light sensor 906 a, motion sensor 908 aand lighting circuit 910 a).

FIG. 10 illustrates an implementation of the central lighting controldevice 904 as described in FIG. 9B. The central lighting control device904 comprises lighting circuit system 1010, controller 1020 andcommunication system 1030. The controller 1020 can control the operationof and receive data from the lighting circuit system 1010 andcommunication system 1030. The controller 1020 includes a processor 1022and a storage device 1024. The processor is configured to runapplications that control the operation of the lighting control system900, and the storage device 1024 can store data related to the lightingcontrol system 900 (e.g., central device database, device databaseetc.).

The lighting circuit system 1010 can transmit electrical power to anddetect response of the lighting circuit 910 a. The lighting circuitsystem 1010 can include a power circuit 1014 that can supply power tothe lighting circuit 910 a, and a detector circuit 1012 that can detectthe response of the lighting circuit 910 a. The power circuit 1014 cancomprise a tunable voltage/current source that can supply an inputvoltage/current signal to the lighting circuit 910 a. The detectorcircuit 1012 is configured to detect a response of the lighting circuit910 a that can include one or more of current, voltage and impedanceresponse. In some implementations, the detector circuit 1012 may includea voltage sensing circuit that can detect a voltage response (e.g.,voltage across the lighting circuit 910 a) or a current sensing circuitthat can detect a current response (e.g., the current flowing into thelighting circuit 910 a). The power circuit 1014 can also supply power tothe light sensor 906 a and the voltage sensor 908 a.

The communication system 1030 is configured to communicate with lightsensor 906 a, motion sensor 908 a, and lighting control devices (e.g.,910 a-d in FIG. 9A, 910 b-d in FIG. 9B). For example, the communicationsystem 1030 (e.g., antenna, router etc.) can transmit instructions(e.g., instruction to detect light/motion) from the controller 1020 tothe light sensor 906 a and/or motion sensor 908 a. The instructions canbe transmitted wirelessly in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using various wirelessradio technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Low Power Radio (LPR) etc.).Additionally or alternately, the instructions can be transmitted in theform of an electrical signal (e.g., current signal, voltage signal) oroptical signal through a physical connection (e.g., transmission line,Ethernet cable etc.). The communication system 930 can be configured toreceive notification signals (e.g., through the channels of instructiontransmission described above) from the light sensors 906 a and/or motionsensors 908 a and convey the notification signal to the controller 1020.

The communication system 1030 can also be configured to communicate withcommunication device 920, for example, through a cellular network,wireless radio technology etc. The communication system 1030 caninclude, for example, a router that allows it to communicate through theinternet with websites and online databases. For example, the controller1020 can instruct the communication system 1030 to access the website ofa light bulb manufacturing (e.g., light bulb in the lighting circuit 910a) and download the relevant specifications. The communication system1030 can also, for example, download software (e.g., drivers) that canallow the controller 1020 to communicate with the light sensors 906 aand motion sensors 908 a. The communication system 1030 can alsodownload updated operating systems for the controller 1020.

The lighting control device 904 can control the operation of lightingcircuits 910 a-d based on notification signals from the light sensors906 a-d and motion sensors 908 a-d. For example, if the lighting circuit910 a has been switched on and no motion is observed by the motionsensor 908 a for a predetermined period of time, the control device 904can automatically switch off the lighting circuit 910 a. The controldevice 904 can make the determination that the lighting circuit 910 ahas been switched on based on notification signal from the light sensor906 a and/or the response from the detector circuit 1012. The period oftime between the last detected motion and the time at which the lightingcircuit 910 a is switched off can be based on, for example, an inputprovided by a user through the communication device 920. This period oftime can be different for different rooms. For example, the period oftime can be longer for the room 902 a (e.g., bedroom) compared to theroom 902 b (e.g., a bathroom).

The lighting control system 900 can be configured to control theoperation of the lighting circuits 910 a-d based on analysis of thebehavior of one or more users of the system 900 and data acquired by thesystem 900. The behavior analysis can include, for example, patternrecognition of the notification signals from the light sensors 906 a-dand motion sensors 908 a-d, instructions provided by the user throughcommunication device 920 and information obtained by lighting controldevice 904 from online databases. For example, the central lightingcontrol device 904 can be notified by the light sensor 906 a that thelighting device 910 a is switched off at approximately a certain timeduring the weekdays and at approximately a different time during theweekends. Based on this pattern, the lighting control device 904 can setswitch off times, which are different for weekends and weekdays, forautomatically switch off the light 910 a. Automatic switching off thelight 910 s can be suspended if motion is detected by motion sensor 908a, and notification can be sent to the communication device 920.

The control device 904 can also include information obtained from onlinedatabases in its behavioral analysis of the users. For example, thecontrol device 904 can be notified that the user switches on the light910 a in the mornings of certain days in the year. The device 904compares this behavior with the weather conditions (known through onlinedatabases) and determines that the light 910 a is switched on in themornings of days when the sky is overcast. Based on this pattern, thecontrol device 904 can automatically switch on the light 910 a on dayswhen the sky is over cast. Additionally, the control device 904 maylearn that the weather conditions effect the operation of lightingcircuit 910 a but not of lighting circuit 910 b. This may arise from thefact the room 902 a, associated with lighting circuit 910 a, has windowsand receives natural ambient light, while room 902 b, associated withlighting circuit 910 b, does not have windows and does not receivenatural ambient light. The control device 904 can infer that theoperation of lighting circuit 910 b is independent of weatherconditions. In some implementations, the control device 904 can changethe operating parameters of lighting circuit 910 a based on weatherconditions. For example, the control device 904 can change thebrightness setting of the lighting circuit 910 b based on the weatherconditions.

Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described inthis specification can be implemented by digital electronic circuitry,or via computer software, firmware, or hardware, including thestructures disclosed in this specification and their structuralequivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementationsof the subject matter described in this specification can be implementedas one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computerprogram instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for executionby, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readablestorage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random orserial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more ofthem. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagatedsignal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination ofcomputer program instructions encoded in an artificially generatedpropagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or beincluded in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g.,multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

The operations described in this specification can be implemented asoperations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored onone or more computer-readable storage devices or received from othersources.

The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus,devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example aprogrammable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multipleones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can includespecial purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gatearray) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Theapparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that createsan execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g.,code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtimeenvironment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them.The apparatus and execution environment can realize various differentcomputing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributedcomputing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, orother unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. Aprogram can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programsor data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup languagedocument), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or inmultiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules,sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployedto be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are locatedat one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by acommunication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform actions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performedby, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., a FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions andone or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally,a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive datafrom or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices forstoring data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks.However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer canbe embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console,a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device(e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few.Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and datainclude all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM,EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal harddisks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROMdisks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, orincorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquidcrystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user bysending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is usedby the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on auser's user device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specificationcan be implemented in a computing system that includes a back endcomponent, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middlewarecomponent, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front endcomponent, e.g., a user computer having a graphical display or a Webbrowser through which a user can interact with an implementation of thesubject matter described in this specification, or any combination ofone or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. Thecomponents of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium ofdigital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a widearea network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), andpeer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include users and servers. A user and serverare generally remote from each other and typically interact through acommunication network. The relationship of user and server arises byvirtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a user-server relationship to each other. In someimplementations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a userdevice (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving userinput from a user interacting with the user device). Data generated atthe user device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be receivedfrom the user device at the server.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular implementations of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub combination or variation of a sub combination.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joiningof two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining maybe stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved withthe two members or the two members and any additional intermediatemembers being integrally formed as a single unitary body with oneanother or with the two members or the two members and any additionalintermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may bepermanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differaccording to other exemplary implementations, and that such variationsare intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It isrecognized that features of the disclosed implementations can beincorporated into other disclosed implementations.

While various inventive implementations have been described andillustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readilyenvision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing thefunction and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of theadvantages described herein, and each of such variations and/ormodifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventiveimplementations described herein. More generally, those skilled in theart will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials,and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and thatthe actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations willdepend upon the specific application or applications for which theinventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art willrecognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routineexperimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventiveimplementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example onlyand that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalentsthereto, inventive implementations may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described and claimed. Inventive implementations of thepresent disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system,article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, anycombination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included withinthe inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, ofwhich at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as partof the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly,implementations may be constructed in which acts are performed in anorder different than illustrated, which may include performing some actssimultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrativeimplementations.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order orelements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood thatvarious changes in form and detail may be made by one of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. All implementations that come within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling a lighting controlsystem, the method comprising: transmitting at least one communicationsignal from a first light control module to a second light controlmodule in a plurality of light control modules, each light controlmodule in the plurality of light control modules configured to cause atransmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit ofa light fixture electrically connected to the respective lightingcontrol module; determining a time of day; detecting occupancy at eachlight control module in the plurality of light control modules; andafter a specified time of day and in response to a negative occupancydetection at each light control module in the plurality of light controlmodules, changing a flow of electricity to at least some of the lightingcircuits to turn off the respective light fixture and at least one ofleaving on and turning on at least one light fixture connected to atleast one light control module in the plurality of light controlmodules.
 2. The method according to claim 1, determining a quantity ofthe light control modules in the plurality of light control modules. 3.The method according to claim 1, determining a time of the lastoccupancy detection at each light control module in the plurality oflight control modules.
 4. The method according to claim 3, determiningthe last light control module to detect occupancy in the plurality oflight control modules.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein theat least one of leaving on and turning on the at least one light fixturecomprises at least one of leaving on and turning on a light fixtureconnected to the last light control module detecting occupancy.
 6. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein detecting occupancy comprisessensing via one or more of an infrared sensor, a time of flight sensor,a light sensor, a sound sensor, and an electromagnetic sensor, and anoptical sensor.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the infraredsensor is a passive infrared sensor.
 8. The method according to claim 6,wherein detecting occupancy comprises sensing a Bluetooth signal.
 9. Themethod according to claim 6, wherein the optical sensor comprises acamera.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein detecting occupancycomprises sensing via a passive infrared sensor and wherein the lightcontrol module is configured to change the flow of electricity to atleast some of the lighting circuits to turn off the respective lightfixture in response to: sensing no activity by the passive infraredsensor within a first specified period of time; and failing to detectpresence of a registered mobile device in response to checking for theregistered mobile device.
 11. The method according to claim 10, whereinchecking for the registered mobile device comprises transmitting aBluetooth low energy signal.
 12. The method according to claim 10,wherein checking for the registered mobile device comprises determiningwhether the registered mobile device is within a geo-fence threshold.13. The method according to claim 12, wherein determining whether theregistered mobile device is within a geo-fence threshold comprisesdetermining a position of the registered mobile device via a globalpositioning system.
 14. The method according to claim 10, whereindetermining whether the registered mobile device is within a geo-fencethreshold comprises determining whether the registered mobile device isconnected to a home wireless network.
 15. The method according to claim1, wherein detecting occupancy comprises sensing via a passive infraredsensor and wherein the light control module is configured to change theflow of electricity to at least some of the lighting circuits to turnoff the respective light fixture in response to sensing no activity bythe passive infrared sensor within a specified period of time.
 16. Amethod of controlling a lighting control system, the method comprising:determining a time of day at a first light control module of a pluralityof light control modules, each light control module in the plurality oflight control modules configured to cause a transmission of a quantityof electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixtureelectrically connected to the respective lighting control moduledetecting occupancy at the first light control module after a specifictime of day; and changing a flow of electricity from one or more lightcontrol modules in the plurality of light control modules to change theflow of electricity to the respective lighting circuits connected to theone or more light control modules to turn off the respective lightfixture based on a positive occupancy detection at the first lightcontrol module after the specific time of day.
 17. The method accordingto claim 16, wherein detecting occupancy comprises sensing via one ormore of an infrared sensor, a time of flight sensor, a light sensor, asound sensor, and an electromagnetic sensor, and an optical sensor. 18.The method according to claim 16, wherein the time of flight sensor isconfigured to detect a change in a time of flight of a transmittedsignal.
 19. The method according to claim 16, further comprisingdetecting occupancy at each light control module in the plurality oflight control modules and precluding turning off a respective lightfixture where occupancy is detected by the light control module.
 20. Themethod according to claim 16, wherein detecting occupancy at the firstlight control module comprises sensing via one or more of an infraredsensor, a time of flight sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, and anelectromagnetic sensor, and an optical sensor.
 21. The method accordingto claim 16, wherein detecting occupancy at the first light controlmodule comprises checking for a registered mobile device via one or moreof the light control modules of the plurality of light control modules.22. The method according to claim 16, wherein checking for theregistered mobile device comprises determining whether the registeredmobile device is within a geo-fence threshold.
 23. The method accordingto claim 16, wherein determining whether the registered mobile device iswithin a geo-fence threshold comprises determining a position of theregistered mobile device via a global positioning system.
 24. The methodaccording to claim 16, wherein determining whether the registered mobiledevice is within a geo-fence threshold comprises determining whether theregistered mobile device is connected to a home wireless network. 25.The method according to claim 16, wherein determining whether theregistered mobile device is within a geo-fence threshold comprisestransmitting a Bluetooth low energy signal from via one or more of thelight control modules of the plurality of light control modules.
 26. Themethod according to claim 16, wherein changing the flow of electricitycomprises gradually reducing the flow over a specified period of time todim the respective light fixture before it is turned off.
 27. The methodaccording to claim 16, further comprising precluding the light fromturning off in response to detecting a change in occupancy during thedimming.
 28. The method according to claim 16, wherein occupancy isdetected at the first light control module via geo-fencing, wherein thegeo-fencing is configured to detect occupancy by detecting at least oneof: a. a determination of whether a mobile electronic device is within apreset proximity to a home or building within which the lighting controlsystem is located based on a GPS signal from the mobile electronicdevice, b. a connection state of a WiFi connection of a mobileelectronic device configured to establish a steady connection to anetwork/access-point of a home or building within which the lightingcontrol system is located, and c. a connection state of a class ofBluetooth of a mobile electronic device configured to connect the mobileelectronic device to one or more light control modules in the pluralityof light control modules.
 29. The method according to claim 16, whereindetecting occupancy comprises sensing via an infrared sensor.
 30. Themethod according to claim 29, wherein the infrared sensor is a passiveinfrared sensor.
 31. The method according to claim 16, wherein detectingoccupancy comprises sensing a class of a Bluetooth signal.
 32. Themethod according to claim 16, wherein detecting occupancy comprisessensing via a sonar sensor.
 33. The method according to claim 16,wherein detecting occupancy comprises sensing via a camera.
 34. Themethod according to claim 16, wherein detecting occupancy comprisessensing motion from a registered mobile device.
 35. The method accordingto claim 16, wherein sensing motion of the registered mobile devicecomprises obtaining a reading from an accelerometer of the registeredmobile device.
 36. A computer program product for operating a lightingcontrol system apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims.37. A lighting control system apparatus for automated lightingadjustment, the apparatus comprising a lighting control systemconfigured to operate according to anyone of the preceding claims.